Irish Premier Micheal Martin has said he is looking forward to meeting President Donald Trump during his visit to Washington for St Patrick's Day engagements. Speaking in the United States capital, he described Ireland as a self confident nation and said politics is unpredictable, but stressed confidence in Ireland's contributions to the United States across many areas.

Mr Martin said he does not feel under pressure ahead of the meeting and does not expect discussions to focus specifically on the war in the Middle East, noting there are many conflicts around the world that receive limited attention. He framed the visit as part of a long standing tradition celebrating the historic ties between Ireland and the United States, including the role of Irish people in the founding and development of America.

During his trip, the Taoiseach attended events in Philadelphia marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence and took part in St Patrick's Day celebrations. He is scheduled to meet business leaders, attend gala events, and present President Trump with the traditional bowl of shamrock, while other Irish political figures have chosen not to attend White House events in protest of the president's policies.